COVID Protocol/Masking Change Reminder

Sent: September 30, 2022
From: Interim President Steve Perez

Fellow Spartans,

We are preparing again to shift our COVID-19 protocols based on improved community metrics from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC). 

Case rates and related hospitalizations in Santa Clara County have continued their decline and are currently at a “Low” community level, according to the CDC. Our policy permits a change to the masking and testing protocols if the County moves to a lower category for three consecutive weeks. 

Effective Monday, October 3, our masking policy for *most indoor spaces at SJSU facilities will change - see below for details.

Mask Status Change

  • Beginning Monday, October 3, mask-wearing shifts to being recommended for at-risk individuals in indoor spaces. Anyone who is comfortable wearing a mask should continue doing so and will be supported by our campus community.
  • *Masks are still required in the Student Wellness Center.
  • Distinct rules cannot be made within individual classrooms or departments.

Campus Status Checks

  • We have created a website for you to check our CDC and campus status on mask protocols at www.sjsu.edu/healthadvisories. 
  • Signage around campus will include a QR code that allows you to check the campus status at any time.

Testing

  • Testing continues to be recommended for unvaccinated students and employees. 

Exposure and Illness

  • If you have been exposed to COVID-19, masking is strongly recommended. Please wear a mask as soon as you find out you were exposed and continue masking for 10 full days.
  • If you are experiencing symptoms but have yet to be diagnosed, you should isolate immediately and get tested, and stay home until you test negative.
  • If you test positive, regardless of vaccination status, you should stay at home for at least 5 days and isolate from others. Stay separate from others as much as possible during this period. Do not come back to campus until you test negative.
  • If you are a student in on-campus housing who tests positive, you will isolate in your own room, unless you are able to leave campus for isolation. This practice is consistent with institutions across the country. All students in impacted rooms/suites will be asked to mask during the isolation period. Housing, which will provide instructions and guidance to all impacted students, may be able to temporarily relocate medically at-risk students to minimize possible transmission.
  • Follow CDC Isolation Guidance and your healthcare provider’s recommendations for determining your end of isolation.
  • For questions about COVID exposure and illness, employees should contact Yazmin Perez (yazmin.perez@sjsu.edu or 408-924-2155) or up-leaves@sjsu.edu.

Please remember that some people remain at high-risk for more adverse outcomes from COVID-19 or regularly share spaces with someone who is. We consider ourselves a mask-friendly campus and those who choose to continue to mask in our indoor spaces have the support of our community.

As we’ve been doing for more than two years now, we should all be prepared to stay flexible and to increase safety measures when needed. People should be prepared to resume wearing masks indoors if external conditions worsen.

Thank you, as always, for your flexibility and willingness to adapt and thank you for all you do to support the Spartan community.

Thank you,

Steve Perez
Interim President